Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected suicide bomber and seized materials believed to be intended to make Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The suspect identified as Abubakar Mustapha was captured on Monday by personnel of the 152 Task Force Battalion working in collaboration with other security agencies in Banki town in Bama local government area of the state.
Sani Uba, media information officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, said in a statement on Tuesday that the suspect was captured with primed IED components, suggesting preparations for an imminent attack.
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According to the Army, preliminary investigation revealed that Mustafa is a native of Bama Local Government Area and he was later found to be in possession of additional incriminating items linked to terrorist activities.
“The suspect is being interrogated extensively to establish possible links with his sponsors, associates and terrorist networks operating within the region,” it said.
In a related operation, troops deployed along the Cameroon-Nigeria border intercepted a Peugeot vehicle carrying six bags of urea fertilizer, a substance commonly used as a precursor in the production of IEDs.
“Further action based on intelligence led to the arrest of the fertilizer dealer involved and recovery of additional six bags, taking the total number of seized fertilizer bags to twelve.
“The vehicle and fertilizer have been taken into military custody, with all suspects and recovered items being investigated before necessary legal action is taken,” the statement said.
Reaffirming the Army's resolve to secure the North-East, he said the troops will continue to maintain pressure on terrorist groups operating in the region.
It said, “Troops of JTF North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, continue to dominate their areas of responsibility through aggressive patrols, intelligence led operations and sustained presence to deny JAS/ISWAP terrorists freedom of action and prevent attacks on civilian populations and critical infrastructure.”
